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Leeds will be a place where we reduce poverty and inequality by creating growth in our economy that works for all, where everyone gets a great education, businesses find the talent they need to start, innovate and grow, investment increases and together we deliver an inclusive, healthier and more sustainable future.

Three goals underpinning this ambition:

  1. Providing outstanding education and training to create the diverse, highly skilled, agile and resilient workforce our businesses and economy need for the future, growing and retaining talent in a city which supports everyone to reach their potential
  2. Growing the Leeds economy and stimulating innovation in key and emerging sectors, increasing public and private investment, improving productivity and creating good jobs
  3. Delivering the infrastructure and regeneration that meets housing needs, supports our sustainability aims and provides better connectivity to enable our communities, businesses and economy to be world leading

Why it matters

Inclusive growth is about ensuring that Leeds’ economic success benefits everyone. While the city has a strong and diverse economy, not all residents experience the same opportunities or outcomes. Reducing poverty and inequality requires a long-term commitment to improving skills, supporting people into good-quality employment, creating thriving businesses, and ensuring that investment reaches all parts of the city.

By bringing together partners from education, business, health, the voluntary sector and local government, Leeds can build an economy that is resilient, sustainable and inclusive. This means creating opportunities for people of all ages and backgrounds, supporting innovation and enterprise, and ensuring that communities benefit from growth through better housing, connectivity and infrastructure.

Inclusive growth is also essential to achieving Leeds’ wider ambitions. A stronger economy supports healthier lives, helps tackle inequalities, enables progress towards net zero, and creates a city where more people can reach their potential.

to be added to once Beths work is complete 

What success looks like

Success will mean that more people in Leeds can share in the city’s prosperity and have access to the opportunities they need to thrive. We will see:

  • More people earning a fair wage and fewer households experiencing poverty.
  • Higher employment rates, with more residents able to access and sustain good-quality jobs.
  • A skilled and adaptable workforce that meets the needs of current and future employers.
  • More young people achieving positive educational outcomes and progressing into employment, training or further education.
  • Growing numbers of businesses starting, innovating and succeeding in Leeds.
  • Increased investment in key sectors that create sustainable economic growth and high-quality employment.
  • More affordable homes and regeneration that supports thriving communities.
  • Improved infrastructure and connectivity that enable people and businesses to prosper.
  • Economic growth that benefits all communities and helps reduce inequalities across the city.

  • Making a difference 

  • Plan on a page 

Plans and Strategies

Leeds is home to a wide range of people, organisations, and partnerships working to ensure that economic growth benefits everyone. From supporting skills and employment to driving innovation and supporting business growth, these shared efforts are helping to create opportunities for all of our communities.

Key supporting plans and strategies

Main supporting partnerships

Driving the ambition forward

The Leeds Ambitions are bold and challenging, no single organisation, including Leeds City Council, can deliver on them alone. So each of the four Leeds Ambitions have been adopted by a convening organisation or partnership, supported by Leeds City Council. 

The Convening partnership for Growing is the Leeds Inclusive Growth Partnership.

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